Electromotive Force

The difference of potential produced by an electrical source to drive a current through an external electrical circuit. The SI units of electromotive force is the volt.

The potential difference between points a and b is:

where

φ_a = potential at point a

φ_b = potential at point b

E = electric field

dl = line element

See also: Back Electromotive Force, Contact EMF, Contact Potential, Induced Electromotive Force, Volt.